09-06-2021
Barcelona, the cosmopolitan city with a beach that is always ‘in’ has next to the well-known areas also some hidden gems that will surprise you! The laid-back Mediterranean culture, sunny days, and exciting food and nightlife appeal to many urban travelers. But forget about Gotico, Barceloneta, and Pasig the Garcia on your next trip. Barcelona has many cool neighborhoods, kept secret by locals, full of must-visit hotspots that you can discover with the Urban Journalist App! So, for your next trip, experience Barcelona like a local with Urban Journalist and make sure to hit these areas!
Check the Urban Journalist App to find the best hotspots on your trip here!
- El Born
- Poblenou
- Eixample
- Raval
El Born
In this bustling area, you’ll find speakeasies, traditional tapas bars, and boutique shops. The area is marked by the old church of Santa Maria with a labyrinth of small, edgy Middle Age backstreets and bustling nightlife. It’s part of Barcelona’s Old Town, which even dates back to the Roman empire. There’re crowded squares surrounded by buzzing terraces, and maybe you’ll just find the best sushi in town! Make sure to visit Notorious Passeig del Born for a night of dancing and cocktails.
Check the App for the best cocktail bars here!
Clubhaus
Make sure to visit Clubhaus. Yes, the name says it all– It has all the ingredients for a grown-up clubhouse; an edgy décor, karaoke room, pool tables, graffiti art, and boozy brunches on the weekend with a DJ playing jams. This is where the in-crowd will spend their boozy Saturday or an epic night out! Fill the table with a shared dining feast, inner your true Beyonce at the karaoke room, try to make playing pool sexy in the pool room, or bring the house down in the Galaxy room.
Clubhouse
Poblenou
The name of this area translates ‘new village’, and you will find a mix of different architectural styles and remarkable buildings. Laid-back hipsters and fast-growing start-ups own this part of town. The lower part, close to the sea, is quite relaxed and traditional. The northern part, close to Torre Glòries (the Dildo building) is where old industrial warehouses are transformed into creative hubs and co-working spaces, art galleries, beer breweries, and concept stores.
If you like industrial coffee concepts, healthy brunch spots, and walking distance to the beach, make sure to pay a visit!
Little Fern
Little Fern is a local lunch spot that will even turn the most carnivore fanatics semi-vegetarian with their creative and tasty dishes. A must-try is the Kimchee pancakes and veggie Fritters!
Little Fern
Eixample
Eixample, Catalan for ‘Extension’, was designed as a solution to the housing crisis from the historic old part of the city. You can recognize the area by the grid-pattern blocks, wide streets with trees decorating the street scene, and the Sagrada Familia towering above. In the 19th century the architectural movement ‘Modernism’ was started here and Gaudi’s masterpieces - Casa Milá and Casa Batlló- are therefore located in this area. This neighborhood, dominated by locals, will amaze you! You’ll find hidden gems, trendy brunch spots, international cuisines, and fine dining places.
Robata
Robata is a fine dining but cheeky Japanese restaurant with experimental sushi (think of tuna belly nigiri topped with foie gras). You can expect Japanese dishes with a western touch, paired with fancy cocktails. The Unicorn roll with prawn tempura and marinated tuna and Frisky roll with shrimp, avocado, and eel are divine!
Robata
Casa Bonay
Hotspot Casa Bonay is something else. The remarkable building houses a trendy hotel, intimate cocktail bar, bodega restaurant, coffee corner, and a rooftop Chiringuito. This green oasis will guarantee a fun time, including a rooftop where they host cinema nights with tacos or recover from your hangover on weekend brunches.
Casa Bonay
Raval
Raval was a decade ago known for its culture of drugs and crime. Nowadays it’s a vibrant melting-pot with a diverse community and can even be described as one of the liveliest areas in the city.
Raval stands for ‘suburb’ in Arabic and dates back to the Middle Ages when this part was located outside the city walls. That’s why the fresh food market El Boquería is located here, so traders could avoid city tax on merchandise.
Bar 33/45
There’s lots to explore in this edgy ‘hood. Vintage fans should stroll down Carrer dels Tallers looking for secondhand treasures, like those perfectly fitted Levi’s. Next to hip brunch spots, there’re tons of cool cocktail bars like 33/45. Vegetarians should also drop by, since there’s a whole block dedicated to those who care about mind, body, soul, and the environment.
Two Schmusk on a Terrace
For a cozy terrace visit pop-up bar Two Schmusk on a Terrace. The laid-back ‘cool’ joint has R&B pumping out of the speakers, neon lights and pop art decorating the place, and a cute terrace with light strings. They serve a notorious Fried chicken & waffle and the house-made cocktail Garibaldi is a must-try!
Check the Urban Journalist App to find the perfect hotspots in Barcelona for you!
